Working In

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

I've posted about this in a couple groups today, so sorry if you've come across it already. I was just reading the white paper on strategies of National Weight Control Registry members, so folks who lost at least 30 pounds and kept it off for at least a year, and of the members who exercise, 92% work out at home! I'd always wondered if I wasn't as serious as people who work out at a gym, but apparently working out most of the time at home really works.

My pure speculation is I think there's something to fitness being part of home life rather than an event we show up for. Also, this population is by definition people who had a lot to lose (30 is the minimum but the average member lost 74). I know not every gym is like this, but some are not as welcoming for the people who could use them most. Also, a gym is maybe going to emphasize the value of exercise more than nutrition, but only 1% of NWCR respondents reached their goal using only exercise. 89% of all respondents relied on a combination.

My own entirely anecdotal experience is that I lost 2 pounds a month just working out (in a home based crossfit approach), I lost 3.4 pounds a month just minding nutrition, and I consistently lost 5 pounds a month doing both (except for that GIGO error in September). So I definitely advocate both. Now there's more to life than what the scale says, sure, but I was obese and that needed to be addressed.

Anyway, if going to the gym fits in with your lifestyle and it's working you, that is great. Exercising with a friend or group worked for 40% of the respondents, and gyms are great for classes. But if you work out from home, just know that it can work wonders as well.

TANYA602
Very interesting,indeed! I workout at home primarily, and in the past few weeks have put more effort into walking around the campus during lunch and recess, and even joined a lunch time running (walking for me) club. I find it promising that we are doing something that works for us, and that we can easily make our own time pay off.I love your anecdotes and speculations!1750 days ago

LJCANNON It really is a Great Article with a Lot of Information. I wish I was one of those People who could/would Work Out at Home most of the time. Somehow it is always easier for me to put it off if I don't have an "Appointment/Commitment" to go to the Gym. But as you said, different things work for different people.1750 days ago